Interviews as Inspiration ~ Kristianne Kurner Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts Theatre

THIS IS THE 11TH OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AS INSPIRATION. I'M INVITING PEOPLE I ADMIRE; ARTISTS, AUTHORS, PEOPLE I KNOW, AND PEOPLE I DON'T. IT SHOULD BE FUN! AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRATIONAL FOR BOTH YOU AND ME.

My husband and I first attended New Village Arts Theatre (a small, talented, energetic live theatre company in Carlsbad, California) in 2007. We loved what they did, and went on to become subscribers, patrons, fans and friends of the company and of many of the actors. 

My husband, Don and I discuss brain injury with the actors of "The Man Who" in 2010 at New Village Arts Theatre

I've always loved live theatre and been fascinated about the behind the scenes. I admire Kristianne very much, and wanted to know more. 

Her professional bio is:
Kristianne Kurner is the Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts Theatre

A graduate of the College of William and Mary, Ms. Kurner earned her Masters Degree in Acting from the Actors Studio Drama School in New York, as well as training privately for three years with David Gideon, former director of the Lee Strasburg Theatre Institute.  In 2007, she was honored for her Outstanding Direction of the Regional premiere of John Patrick Shanley’s Sailor’s Song by both the San Diego Theatre Critics Circle and Patte Productions.  Ms. Kurner has directed, designed, produced and/or acted in every New Village Arts production to date.

Krisitanne Kurner
Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts Theatre

Jane LaFazio: You are Executive Artistic Director of New Village Arts Theatre. What the job description for that title? 

Krisitanne Kurner: I'm in charge of all of the artistic elements of the theatre: the productions, casting, play selection, and much more. That's the "Artistic" part of the title. The "Executive" means that I also have an overview of the company as a whole, so I work with our Managing Director on all budgeting, planning, marketing and human resources.

JL: You co-founded New Village Arts (NVA) 13 years ago, after graduation from the Actors Studio/New School in New York City. Was it a Mickey Rooney to Judy Garland moment “let’s put on a show” or was it a conscious career decision?

KK: Since I was a little girl, I have always pictured myself running a small theatre - I've been putting on shows since I was about 8 years old and I've always known it's what I wanted to do. Founding NVA in Carlsbad Village came about from a series of wonderful small-world happenings. My family has lived in Carlsbad for over 60 years, and it was where we always came for holidays throughout my life. When my former husband and I were looking for a place to start a theatre based off the techniques we learned while attending the Actors Studio/New School, Carlsbad seemed a perfect place. And we were right! The community has really embraced the theatre and we are still going strong entering our 13th Season.

However, there's always a Mickey Rooney/Judy Garland aspect to putting on shows, and certainly to running a theatre. There has to be that faith that people will want to come and see the work that you do - you have to believe that what you have to share with your art will interest an audience.

Kristianne, as a kid, entertaining.

JL: How does one ‘found’ a theatre company? Dictator or Benevolent Mother role? How did you make it happen?

KK: To found a theatre takes a lot of hard work. It's much more difficult than I imagined. It all starts with your passion for what you do. You have to believe that you have something important to say and that only your company could say it this particular way. Then it's a mix of Dictator and Benevolent Mother. You have to be willing to work harder than you think you can and deal with a good deal of rejection before you get a positive result. That's where the Dictator comes in. While doing this, you also have to create a place where people want to be - your patrons, donors, artists and staff. So Benevolent Mother is important there.

I truly believe that NVA was built on a lot of faith: that the funding would be found, that the audience would come and that the best artists in San Diego would make the drive to Carlsbad to work with us. If you don't have a great belief in who you are and what you are trying to do, the company won't work. Then you have to take that faith and back it with hard work. I've been fortunate that my family has been involved in this dream of mine, so we were able to share it and all work on it together. It's thanks to all of their love and support, mixed with incredible donors and patrons, that has allowed this company to thrive for 13 years.

JL:  Each season, New Village Arts Theatre produces 6-8 plays. How do you select the plays? Then, what’s the process. Do you have a wish list of plays you want to do in the future? What’s on that list?

KK: I read a lot of plays every year. A lot. Then I also read reviews from productions in New York, London, LA and Chicago. When I find a play that "turns me on" I put it on my "possible plays" list. I tend to get an immediate reaction to a play and follow my gut. Then, I have to look at how a season will come together. You want to find plays that your patrons will respond to - a good mix of classics, new plays and usually something silly and fun. I love how NVA produces the big American classics. There is something magical about taking a story that is beloved by so many and seeing it in our intimate space with fantastic actors. So I have a good list of those on my future list.

JL: As artistic director, sometimes your direct a play sometimes you act or star in one. How do you decide? Is it totally up to you?

KK: It is pretty much up to me. I tend to direct two shows per season and act in one. Acting is my passion and my training, and I think it's very important to continue to practice what I preach. I look for a role that will challenge me and also speak to our audience. When selecting which plays I will direct, it is a mix of which other directors I will be working with in a season and what plays are a good match for my strengths. It's also good to occasionally pick a play outside of the comfort zone - you can learn so much that way. 

Kristianne Kurner as Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

JL: Acting or Directing? Do you have a favorite?

KK: It depends on the project. Playing Nurse Ratched was certainly a favorite for me. But I also love the process of putting a play together from out in the theatre and watching how all of the elements come together to create the final product. It's highly rewarding for me to see an actor doing their finest work in a show I have directed. 

Kristianne and her son Jonah, on stage together

JL:  Your young son is an actor, with ‘greasepaint in his veins.” Your mom works at New Village Arts Theatre, doesn't your sister too? What’s it like to have so much of your life and loved ones all involved in the same enterprise?

KK: I'm incredibly lucky to have an amazing family working with me at NVA. My dad was the original President of the Board and has fixed just about anything that broke in the theatre. He and I have also built most of the sets you see when you come see a show. My mom is the Foundry Artist Studio Manager. She runs the visual arts component at NVA and also runs the Music Series and organizes all our volunteers. My sister is a musician (susannakurner.com), so she has appeared on our stage many times.

My son is amazing. He's a very gifted actor and director, and I've been fortunate to be on stage with him many times. His passions are leaning more towards filmmaking, which is very exciting to see.

We also have a core group of supporters who have been with NVA since the very beginning, and I consider them part of the family as well. It's one of the comments we get most often about NVA: people feel like they are coming into a family environment. We are very proud of that. 

Kristianne and her son Jonah

JL: What advice would you give an actor?

KK: Never stop learning. One of the great gifts we have as actors is that everything around us is an acting lesson. Our instruments are our bodies and our minds, so everything we experience can help feed our acting. Work hard. Don't be afraid to take smaller roles or work in other areas of the theatre. Many of our favorite actors came to NVA as volunteers and have worked their way up. Be fun to work with - come into any space with a good attitude and great work ethic. You'll be asked back. 

Kristianne Kurner as Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest

JL:  What advice would you give someone with dreams of starting a theatre company?

KK: Be sure it's what you really want to do. Keep returning to your mission and vision of what you have to offer. Stay vigilant with everything going on around you - don't assume to much. Surround yourself with wonderful people. Be ready to work hard. 

JL: What’s the best part of your day?

KK: I have two best parts: driving my son to school every morning and getting to talk with him, and walking into rehearsal each night. There is so much possibility at the start of every rehearsal.

JL: Favorite Books ~ fiction or non-fiction?

KK: I read mostly fiction. I love Toni Morrison's SULA and I'm a big fan of Barbara Kingsolver. John Steinbeck. Edith Wharton. 

JL: Future hopes, dreams, plans for Kristianne?

KK: Continuing to build NVA, traveling as much as possible (I love to visit new places) and having grand adventures.

JL: Future hopes, dreams, plans for New Village Arts?

KK: I want every person in Carlsbad and San Diego to know who we are and what we do. I'd like to continue to grow the staff, patron base and donors. I'd like to create new works and I always want to leave our audience feeling slightly more alive than when they entered the theatre.  

If you are in San Diego County, New Village Arts Theatre Season 13 tickets go on sale July 6

Tickets on sale now

Want to help Kristianne and New Village Arts Theatre to continue and flourish? Donate here.

fabulous fundrasier:

New Village Arts Gala: 60s by the Sea
Saturday, June 22nd | 6pm – 10pm
Join New Village Arts Board of Directors, Staff and beloved Ensemble members as we ring in the upcoming Season 13 and raise funds for our award-winning programs and programming. This year’s Gala is a celebration of Carlsbad culture in the 1960s, set against the backdrop of sunset over the gorgeous Agua Hedionda Lagoon. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
For more information, please contact Tammy Nipper: tammy.nipper@att.net
Ticket Prices:$150.00 per person
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Check out my other Interviews as Inspiration:

Michael deMeng, Assemblage artist

Rachelle Archer, Expressive Arts Therapist at a school for homeless

Cas Holmes, textile artist

Mary Beth Shaw, artist and Stencil Girl Products founder

Marcia Derse, textile designer

Lesley Riley, artist and author

Danny Gregory, artist and author

Judy Reeves, writer

Carlo Roberts, The Blue Walk travel company founder

Jane Powell, Random Arts owner 

Interviews as Inspiration ~ Michael deMeng

THIS IS THE 10TH OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AS INSPIRATION. I'M INVITING PEOPLE I ADMIRE; ARTISTS, AUTHORS, PEOPLE I KNOW, AND PEOPLE I DON'T. IT SHOULD BE FUN! AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRATIONAL FOR BOTH YOU AND ME.

Michael deMeng

I first met Michael deMeng when I took two of his classes at ArtFest in 2004. We've been friends since then. I see him  at art retreats around the country once or thrice a year. He's the nicest and funniest guy in the world, and beloved by his students. 

Jane LaFazio: Please start by telling us what you do.

Michael deMeng: Well…the technical term…is “assemblage” but you can call it “putting a bunch or random crap together and trying to make some sense out of it.”  Found objects into art…order out of chaos.

JL: You went to college for art, yes? Did you always know you wanted to be an artist, or did you have other careers in mind?

MdM: Actually I toyed around with being a psychologist…got my minor, in it.  But the more I got into it the more I decided that Shakespeare and Hemmingway had as much insight as some of these guys (excluding Jung…but Skinner…yikes)…that and if I wanted to continue I’d have to take Psychological Stats…I was outta there.

artwork by Michael deMeng

JL: You work your butt off. What drives you?

MdM: Usually my car…har har har.  Sorry, you left the window open on that one.  Well, actually if you must know…I am driven by death.  Yes it’s true…I am on a race, I want to feel as if I can accomplish something worth taking note before I shed this mortal coil.  The problem is that most of the time you’ll never really know that, but, nonetheless…it keeps me going.  So, really the Grim Reaper is sort of like my personal trainer.

artwork by Michael deMeng

JL: Teaching or art making, which do you like best?

MdM: All things in moderation.  I have a theatrical side as you may have guessed.  I believe that both aspects feed the whole.  For instance I do some pretty fun, low budget commercials for my online workshops.  They are intentionally very hammy, but a blast to do.  Art making is a bit more of a serious process for me…much more of a struggle but very rewarding…while teaching is actually fun and rewarding in a different, social sort of way.  I can be a recluse and very shy if given the opportunity…teaching keeps this side from taking over.  Perhaps I’m a bit Jekyll and Hyde’ish.

 

VIDEO by Michael deMeng

JL: Where do you live?

MdM: Vancouver British Columbia…a new Permanent Resident of Canada…oh Canada.

JL: What would your advice be to artists who would like to succeed, like you have, at making art and teaching art? 

MdM: This is tough, because I’m still trying to figure it out.  Truth of the matter if you choose to become an artist you’ve got to be nimble and flexible (art yoga…if you will) because things and opportunities change and you have to adapt…like the river around the rocks (I know I’m mixing Tao-ism metaphors with Yoga).  My advice is make what you believe in…teach what you believe in…stick with your guns and convince people that what you have to say is worth listening to.  You do this not by force but by believing it yourself.

artwork by Michael deMeng

JL: You’ve written 2 books. Did you enjoy the process? More books in the works?

MdM: I do love writing.  Mostly because I write like I talk and I have a bit of fun with the process.  The next book is a book on a project I put together last year called ArtAbandonment.  It is group that is 7000 members strong who make art, then abandon it for unsuspecting recipients.  The abandoneers leave notes for the finders…if they wish they can contact the group and inform everyone of the fate of the abandoned art.  I have another bunch of writings in the works…Fairy Tale Noir…my version of fairy tales.

artwork by Michael deMeng

JL: You’ve got the ‘gift of gab’ as they say and a fabulous sense of humor. Ever thought about parlaying that talent into…radio? Podcasts? Saturday night live? Seriously. I love the short videos you post on facebook.

MdM: Well I sort of mentioned this earlier…there is something…something I’m pondering that could be quite fun….not telling yet.

VIDEO by Michael deMeng

JL: What your favorite part of your day?

MdM: Martini time!

JL: Give us some titles of your favorite books. Any kind~ fiction, non-fiction, or art related.

MdM: Bestest books ever…Steppenwolf and Razor’s Edge….and Power of Myth interview.

JL: Future plans and dreams? For yourself and your career? Books? TV? World tour?

MdM: I really really want to be the host of a Saturday night Creature Feature show…you know like Elvira…but less busty.

Here's Michael's website and here's a link to his upcoming classes.

Michael deMeng, teaching...or something...

Check out my other Interviews as Inspiration:

Rachelle Archer, Expressive Arts Therapist at a school for homeless

Cas Holmes, textile artist

Mary Beth Shaw, artist and Stencil Girl Products founder

Marcia Derse, textile designer

Lesley Riley, artist and author

Danny Gregory, artist and author

Judy Reeves, writer

Carlo Roberts, The Blue Walk travel company founder

Jane Powell, Random Arts owner 

Interviews as Inspiration ~ Rachelle Archer

THIS IS THE 9TH OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AS INSPIRATION. I'M INVITING PEOPLE I ADMIRE; ARTISTS, AUTHORS, PEOPLE I KNOW, AND PEOPLE I DON'T. IT SHOULD BE FUN! AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRATIONAL FOR BOTH YOU AND ME.

self portrait ~ by Rachelle Archer

I ran into Rachelle at a party recently, and had the chance to ask her about what she was doing. I was so inspired and interested in the work she does, I thought you would be too.  

Art does heal.

Jane LaFazio: What is an expressive arts therapist?

Rachelle Archer: An Expressive Arts Therapist is an artist-helper who works as an agent of change, using the powerful traditions of the arts, ritual and play to facilitate processes of transformation and healing. We are action-oriented and solutions-focused. We work in all 5 art disciplines, using visual arts, dance/ movement, creative writing, drama and music to explore important images and metaphors that arise from the imagination. No prior art experience is needed for our students—our low-skill, high sensitivity approach makes it possible for anyone to express something meaningful through the arts. We work with individuals, families, groups, communities and organizations as healers, coaches, educators, community builders and peace makers. 

Rachelle Archer, at work at Monarch School

JL: Tell us more about the Monarch School, in San Diego, California.

RA: The Monarch School is a unique K-12 alternative education program in downtown San Diego that serves students impacted by homelessness. We are a public-private partnership between the San Diego County Office of Education and a 501 © 3 non-profit, The Monarch School Project. The County provides most of the educational program, while the non-profit raises funds for facilities, support programs such as after school, volunteers, community referrals, medical care, basic needs, counseling, family support and expressive arts therapy.

This spring Monarch School be moving into our gorgeous new facility in Barrio Logan. I am so excited about the expanded opportunities for the expressive arts this new building will offer!!!

students  ~ photo from Monarch School

JL: What drew you to this kind of work? 

RA: I grew up in a very artistic missionary family and began participating in a variety of faith and arts-based outreach to inner-city youth all over the world at a very young age. Music, drama and visual arts were an integral part of those efforts, while also providing a therapeutic outlet for me personally. Combining the arts with helping and healing was something I always knew I would do. In my early twenties I discovered art therapy, which seemed like the perfect combination. After completing a BA in social work and spending a few years working with homeless youth in San Diego, I chose to pursue my dream of bringing healing arts to the population I was serving. I obtained my Master’s in Expressive Arts Therapy, Education and Consulting in 2006 and became the full time Expressive Arts Therapist here at Monarch in 2007.

Rachelle and some of her students

JL: When did you start working at Monarch School?

RA: I got involved in Monarch School in the fall of 1998, when it was a small drop-in center for street youth downtown. The school was growing and there was a huge need for creative outlets and after school care, so I started the after school arts program. I was the very first employee of the Monarch School Project and have enjoyed being involved in developing a variety of enriching and innovative programs for our youth over the years. Some of the things I’ve created here include the after school program, the steel drum band, many wonderful community partnerships, and the expressive arts therapy program.

student ~ photo from Monarch School

JL: Do you work with a group of kids, or one on one? Tell us about a class or lesson.

RA: Fortunately I get to do a lot of both! I offer individual therapy to 15-20 students each week. Students flourish with the one on one attention and processing personal themes through the arts in our small studio. I also get to teach classes and facilitate smaller boys’ and girls’ groups, and run monthly parent workshops.

One thing I’m particularly proud of is the really successful arts-based Community Building program I’ve developed here that allows me to work in most classrooms on campus once a week, year-round. This expressive arts course aims to increase engagement in school and develop a positive school culture. Through the arts and play we create an optimistic learning environment in the classroom where students know and understand one another better and work together in supportive ways. Each student gets an opportunity to shine as we explore various art forms such as painting or drawing, sculpting, creative writing, and performance art. The program offers rich avenues for reflection, personal growth and development as well as developing important social skills, healthy connection to peers and team building.

One of my favorite activities is something I call “Feel Good Freeze Dance”. It’s a fun way to get kids to notice the good in each other and give compliments. Once a group has gotten to know each other a bit and is working well together we have a dance party where each person creates a small poster with their name on it. Then we put on some peppy music and dance around the room. When the music stops each person has to write a compliment on a poster close to where they've frozen in the dance. By the end of the session everyone is moving and writing all at the same time, rushing from station to station to make sure they get a compliment on each student’s poster. Everyone in the group gets to leave with a colorful poster full of positive affirmations, which they often save for a long time afterwards. I have kids do posters for staff members, too. The pile I have saved from all the times we've done this cheers me up when I am having a bad day! I encourage my students to do the same. 

some of Rachelle's students

JL: Can you tell us a few stories about your students and their experiences? 

RA: A few years back a young lady was referred to me. She was 17, failing all of her classes and barely attending school. She and her family had been chronically homeless for over 8 years, with no relief, although she had been in our program since she was 11 years old. Her mother was disabled and unable to provide for her and her brother. This girl was worn out and depressed, moving from shelter to shelter, couch to couch, often not knowing where she would be eating or sleeping at the end of the day. We started slowly, building trust and exploring her interests in art and poetry. She started attending my ‘Coaching for Success’ class for high school students and found some hope for the future, by drawing out her dreams and hopes with others. She eventually hand-made a beautiful collection of her own poetry for her senior project, which she shared with a group of peers and staff. After 18 months in therapy, she graduated from Monarch with honors, enrolled in a local junior college, and later moved into her own place at a transitional living program. She is still doing well in college, studying dance and following her passion for creative writing!

Another student story that still pulls at my heart is that of a 12 year-old girl that, growing up in the home of alcoholic parents too caught up in their addiction to notice, had been the victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a family friend for over 6 years. She was often sad, lost in confusing memories, anxious, mistrusting and engaging in risky behaviors that were leading her down a destructive path. Splattering paint wildly and writing poetry with me week after week became a means to let out all the ugliness and find her freedom once again. After a few years her family was able to get affordable housing and she left our school. She transitioned to her neighborhood high school and is doing great. She continues to speak out against bullying and stand for victims of sexual violence.

There are so many stories like that. Kids who sleep in a van for six months with parents and siblings and still make honor roll and have perfect attendance at Monarch. Kids who’ve spent their whole lives blowing from shelter to shelter, finally land here and growing roots for the first time. Families who’ve run from domestic violence find a safe place with us and begin to flourish. It’s an honor to help them write new chapters in their lives!!! 

graduates ~ photo from Monarch School

JL: This work must be so bitter sweet, helping the kids, then seeing them leave…What keeps you going? 

RA: I struggled with this quite a bit when I first started working with kids dealing with homelessness. What has really helped me is having a clear sense of what my role is. It can be really heart breaking to see them go, especially when they haven’t had a chance to make the most of all we have to offer them here. I have come to understand that I am not here to save them or fix their problems. In shared moments together in the studio or in the classroom I CAN inspire them to dream, encourage them to hold on to their hopes, and teach them to take responsibility of their own feelings and choices so that they can make more empowered choices wherever they go. If at the end of the day I know I have opened even some tiny door for my students to feel heard, seen, and valued, and they walk away feeling a little lighter, I can go home feeling satisfied—even if I never see them again. I have been blessed to see so many young people change while they are with us and that gives me hope that things can get better for them, whether here or somewhere else. Their resilience, optimism and open heartedness inspires me every day!

Student artwork

JL: Do you make your own artwork?
RA: I do! The forms that I go to most regularly are acrylic painting, pastel drawing, and journaling. I do some playing around with photography, and I absolutely love to dance in my living room. 

"Something About Holding" by Rachelle Archer

JL: What’s your favorite part of your day and why? 

RA: The best part of my day is when I first walk into a classroom where I am about to teach. The kids are so happy to see me, and especially my Art Cart, their eyes so full of curiosity and excitement about another fun session together. I rarely ever tell them in advance what we are going to do and sometimes the suspense just kills them. The joyful cheers and hugs from my youngest students are the icing on the cake!

Student Artwork

JL: Give us some titles of your favorite books. Any kind~ fiction, non-fiction, or art related. 

RA: Some books that have been really useful to me professionally this year are: Catherine Moon’s “Studio Art Therapy”, Seth Godin’s “Linchpin”, “Teaching with Poverty in Mind” by Eric Jensen, “Children’s Solution Work” by Insoo Kim Berg and Therese Steiner, 
and just about anything on mindfulness by neuroscientist Daniel J. Siegel. 
Some artists who inspire me are Scottish land artist Andy Goldsworthy, Brazilian street artist Vik Muniz (Waste Land) and dancer/ choreographer Bill T Jones (“Still/ Here”). 

Rachell's students

JL: Future plans and dreams? For yourself? The school?

RA: The future is looking really bright at the new Monarch campus! I look forward to bringing in more interns from San Diego’s premier expressive arts training program, the Expressive Arts Institute. They will be able to provide more individual therapy, parent support services and more engaging after school activities for our teens. It would also be wonderful to collaborate with professional artists in various disciplines to raise the level of artistic work that our students are exposed to. It’s always been a dream of mine to develop some kind of performance group that shares student stories, poetry, music, dance and art with the school and the greater community to raise awareness and make important connections. 
For me personally, I hope to carve out more time for my little boy, who is my favorite work of art in progress, and get myself back into a dance or art class. Nourishing me as a mother and artist is crucial to staying energized in this important work! 

Baby Kai, by Rachelle Archer

Read more of my Interviews as Inspiration:
Cas Holmes, textile artist
Mary Beth Shaw, artist and Stencil Girl Products founder
Marcia Derse, textile designer
Lesley Riley, artist and author
Danny Gregory, artist and author
Judy Reeves, writer
Carlo Roberts, The Blue Walk travel company founder
Jane Powell, Random Arts owner

Interviews as Inspiration ~ Cas Holmes

THIS IS THE 8TH OF A SERIES OF INTERVIEWS AS INSPIRATION. I'M INVITING PEOPLE I ADMIRE; ARTISTS, AUTHORS, PEOPLE I KNOW, AND PEOPLE I DON'T. IT SHOULD BE FUN! AND HOPEFULLY INSPIRATIONAL FOR BOTH YOU AND ME.

Cas Holmes 

I discovered Cas Holmes' work when I got her book,  ‘The Found Object in Textile Art’. The book and her style have influenced me greatly! Then, I tracked her down, and bought one of her pieces, because I loved it, and I love to have art work that inspires me. Hopefully Cas will be coming to the US in 2014, and specifically San Diego to teach a workshop. I'm working on it!

Jane LaFazio: Please start by telling us what you do.

Cas Holmes: I am an artist, teacher, and author. All my work is with found materials both in my own practice, in workshops, and beyond. My partner Derek, is unsure of what to 'dispose of' which is just as well as he often gets to use it too. In recessionary times, a sustainable approach to textiles is fast becoming a trend. In my work and my life this desire to re-use is part of an ethical choice.

Cas Holmes studio (and her old Bernina sewing machine)

JL: Where do you live? Describe your home and studio and town.

CH: My home, is a very small 1930's terrace house in Maidstone (in southeast UK). It is furnished, and decorated and with items discovered in charity shops, skips (dumpsters) salvage yards, and even off the street. This is where Derek gets to use his handy skills as a builder with a sculpture training background. Every space is used – shelves are fitted above doors to store books, cupboards are squeezed into small spaces and hide all kinds of materials and equipment. An old oak folding table in my workroom studio lifts to the wall when I need a bigger floor space (or have guests), and when down, it reveals a handy space for dyes and paints. Canvas is placed on hooks to act as movable surfaces for pinning work as it progresses.

Everything made or built for our home carries its own story, something you do not usually get with things mass produced. Our home is one not ruled by conspicuous consumption but rather one whose emphasis is on creating as small as environmental footprint as is possible. Neither Derek or I drive....but in the UK, this is still manageable if you do not live in the country.

Red Bowl by Cas Holmes

JL: Have you always been an artist?

CH: For as long as I remember this is all I wanted to do. An unusual path for someone who grew up on a working class estate in Norwich(outside of England).  A local saying is 'To Do Different' and that combined with Romany Gypsy on my grandmothers side meant I was just a little more determined to set my mind to just that.

Along Peddlers Way by Cas Holmes

JL: Your work has a very strong nature theme, tell us why you are so drawn to that subject. CH: When you walk, cycle, and use public transportation, you aren't isolated. You make direct contact with the physical world and dress appropriately for the weather! I live in an built up area but am next to a park. It gives me a broad range of materials and references to work with both for my own projects and in projects with others. I am drawn to the ‘hidden edges’, the verges of our roadsides, and field edges, the places where our gardens meet the outside spaces.  These simple things of my daily life are inspiration.

Wayside Grasses by Cas Holmes

JL: I love how you combine my three faves, cloth, paper and stitching. What inspired you to combine the three? 

CH: Clothing, plant materials, printed paper, I use whatever I find or am given. This started from need..I had little money to spare when I was studying art and worked evenings in a pub just to ensure I could eat. I love old fabrics. They've been washed so many times the fibers become very receptive to dyes and marks. I like to ‘destroy’ and remake things. My favourite found tool has to be a basic 1970s Bernina sewing machine I recovered from a skip (dumpster). I taught myself to stitch using this old machine and loved the way I could get it to respond to my movements linking drawing with stitch. If I ever lost it, it would be very hard to replace.

Cas Holmes 

JL: Your book, ‘The Found Object in Textile Art’ is one of my very favorite books, and it certainly influenced my work for the better. Tell us a bit about the writing and formulating of the book and the work for it. 

CH: Over many years, like any maker who teaches, I created projects and guides for instruction. We are surrounded by things that are carelessly disposed of and overlooked, such as paper and other things we can gather at our feet. These two things came together when I was approached by an inspired editor at Batsford to put some of this together for a book. I had been asked over a number of years by students about putting a book together. I always said if the right publisher comes along...Batsford/Anova proved to be the right publisher.

working on Tea Flora Tales

JL: You seem to collaborate for some of your exhibitions. And, community collaborations. Tell us about that, and why you do it. 
CH: I remember this quote in a catalogue Reflections about my work sometime ago. I think is is still relevant today:

Being a practising artist and a community artist is a kind of double life but she (Cas) suggests, ‘they are closely interwoven’. The low-tech systems she employs in her personal art practice are flexible enough to be used by people of all levels of skill and ability. It is one of the reasons why her work is accessible to a wide audience. 

Moira Vincentelli (From Reflections catalogue 1999) 

I enjoy the challenge of working on site-specific projects and installations in collaboration with the community and other artists, performers and musicians as it can lead to different interpretations and opportunities for you work. You reach different audiences and learn from this exchange with others. 

Tea-Flora-Tales as part of of my recent exhibition Urban Nature is an example of an ongoing collaboration.

Tea Flora Tales ~ collaborative work

JL: Teaching. What’s your philosophy for teaching? (I ask, because as a teacher myself, I’m always working to better my teaching skills) CH: Be prepared to be challenged and expect those participating in workshops to be challenged too. Encourage people to take risks and stretch themselves. Celebrate what you do but be prepared to make mistakes. All artists makes mistakes but as Picasso states 'Great artists know which mistakes to keep'. Look for the unexpected and play. If you want to create you will make the space to learn.

Sketchbook image by Cas Holmes

JL: What your favorite part of your day? 
CH: I would say morning usually...but my days vary so much that I would find it hard to pin a favourite time of the day...time to stitch or draw is always a best part. I have at any one time 4 or 5 sketchbooks on the go and I am afraid my mind does, in fact, work like a magpie, seizing opportunities and ideas as I go through the day and rejecting those that do not work (or as I say often to my students, 'you can always cut it up and use it again'). I have learnt not to be precious about my drawing and just do it whenever I can...whether in sketchbook or with my machine.

Cas' Sketchbooks

JL: Give us some titles of your favorite books. Any kind~ fiction, non-fiction, or art related. 

CH: Waterland by Graham Swift.  It a a story of the Fens in East Anglia and the descriptions of this flat waterland are stunning.
Corvus A life with Birds by Esther Woolfson a captivating biography of a woman and her crows.
Any art or textile book I have bought would be too endless to list, but a few are:
Washi by Sukey Hughes, Women and Craft by Gillian Elinor, The Subversive Stitch by Rozsika Parker 

JL: Future plans and dreams? 

CH: During the winter 2012-13, I had a rare few days of quiet and time to reflect. I had been ill a year ago and was forced to spend time indoors and almost immobile. I found myself drawn to windows, some old pots and the views outside. I re-looked at this, this winter.I am not sure where it will lead...but I enjoy this aspect of not knowing and seeing the possibilities which may open up. Staying healthy and fit...continue making and teaching..and writing.

from Cas Holmes sketchbook

A few things in the near future include a teaching tour in Australia in March and discussions are taking place for some teaching in the USA in 2014. Urban Nature will have an extended showing at The Beaney, Canterbury Museum, (UK) at the end of 2013. I will be guest artist at the European Patchwork Meeting in 2014. 

And, I'm currently working on my second book, Connected Cloth (co -author Anne Kelly). It's due Autumn of 2013. It will be 'A practical and inspirational guide to setting up and sustaining group textile-art projects, from simple collaborations between friends to ambitious community projects'


www.casholmestextiles.co.uk
www.casholmes.blogspot.com
www.magpieofthemind.blogspot.com

Cas Holmes quilt, hanging on my living room wall 

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You can read my other Interviews as Inspiration here:

Rachelle Archer, expressive arts therapist at a school for homeless
Cas Holmes, textile artist

Mary Beth Shaw, artist and Stencil Girl Products founder

Marcia Derse, textile designer

Lesley Riley, artist and author

Danny Gregory, artist and author

Judy Reeves, writer

Carlo Roberts, The Blue Walk travel company founder

Jane Powell, Random Arts owner